"my dad [...] now is the boss of his company"

well, a lot of overachievers are one because their lives don't have that kind of safety. I'd argue that, for people with different circumstances, college is very important to them. for instance, for some internationals, snorting Adderall throughout high school is their way out of their country.

and can you blame them?

but I completely understand what you're saying. I know MANY people with state school degrees that outperform ivy grads. but wouldn't you say that, if your future includes supporting parents, at least making that sacrifice for a good university increases the chance of a better future (not necessarily lead to it)?